Whether revealing sleepers, busts, shocker specials or other related fantasy football viewpoints, The Fantasy Five is geared for dedicated fantasy football players combing through sources for definitive takes.
Today’s topic: Week 9 waiver targets.
1. Pat Freiermuth, Steelers, TE (10% rostered in Yahoo)
When JuJu Smith-Schuster was felled by a season-long shoulder injury, the former Nittany Lion roared. His dependable hands and underneath presence remind many in Steelers Nation of tight end great Heath Miller. Seizing the moment over the past couple weeks, the rookie has emerged as an indispensable staple, luring 14 targets, catching 11 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. His usage spike compared with Ben Roethlisberger’s growing confidence in him warrants those, even if you don’t have tight end needs, to give him a long look. On-the-horizon engagements against the Bears, Lions and Chargers present a favorable string. From here on out, 4-5 catches per game could become routine. (FAAB on $100 budget: $10 to $14)
2. Taysom Hill, Saints, QB (13% rostered in Yahoo)
Wide receiver. Running back. Tight end. Quarterback. The NFL’s ultimate Swiss Army knife is set to twirl passes at his most natural position. Jameis Winston, who was carted off after suffering a knee injury in the first half of Sunday’s tilt against Tampa Bay, is a potential multi-week casualty. Hill, who has missed the last two weeks with lingering concussion symptoms, could resume his QB1 status earned over a four-game starting stretch in 2020. In a way, he’s a more accurate version of Jalen Hurts, a dual-threat QB who has a baseline of 18 fantasy points. Recall from Weeks 11 through 14 a season ago when he averaged 21.55 fantasy points per game. This week squaring off against an Atlanta secondary that’s surrendered the ninth-most fantasy points, Hill is a streamable QB with substantial long-term upside. (FAAB for 2QB crowd: $50 to $55)
3. Jordan Howard, Eagles, RB (2% rostered in Yahoo)
Three carries for three yards and three touchdowns. Fantasy managers joke that’s a line associated with Howard, but based on recent Matt Asiata-like performances, it’s a fitting description for the exemplary ham and egger. Punchlines aside, Howard is a pickup to consider. It shouldn’t conjure a chuckle. Promoted from the practice squad last week, he and Boston Scott carried the load in Philly’s pulverizing of winless Detroit. On 12 carries, he amassed 57 rush yards and crossed the chalk twice. He’s only a short-term add with Miles Sanders expected back in a couple weeks, but for those with unreliable FLEX options, especially those who play in antiquated standard leagues, he’s acquirable. Yes, we’re nearing the apocalypse. (FAAB: $7 to $11)
4. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Packers, WR (9% rostered in Yahoo)
Try rattling off his name five times fast and chances are you’ll pass out from oxygen deprivation. It’s a mouthful. No wonder he affectionately goes by his simple initials MVS. Though he didn’t come off injured reserve in time for last Thursday’s game against Arizona, the speedster should return to action imminently. Annually one of the league pacesetters in average depth of target, the long-bomb specialist should pick up where he left off. Recall in three games prior to his IR stint, he posted a ridiculous 20.9 aDOT while generating 36.5 percent of the air yards share. With a juicy matchup at Kansas City on the docket in Week 9, along with battles against Seattle and Minnesota immediately after, he officially slides into the WR3 chat in 12-team formats. (FAAB: $8-$13)
5. Russell Gage, Falcons, WR (15% rostered in Yahoo)
Overshadowed by the likes of Cordarrelle Patterson, Kyle Pitts and, when active, Calvin Ridley, the Falcons’ primary slot option is worth pulling the lever on. Ridley, who’s missed two games due to personal reasons in his past three, is no sure thing over the rest of the season, citing a focus on “mental well-being” as the reason for his absence. As a result, Gage is an attractive bench stash with upside in 12-team and deeper leagues. Moving forward, he’s a legit bet to generate 6-8 targets per game. The matchup in Week 9 isn’t exploitable, as the Falcons exchange pleasantries against rival New Orleans. However, with a few plus opponents remaining, including Detroit in Week 16, he should be plucked. (FAAB: $7 to $11)
BONUS: Adrian Peterson, Titans, RB (8% rostered in Yahoo)
As ZeroRB zealots irritate the living daylights out of everyone with their victory laps, the rest of the fantasy community is in mourning over the enormous loss of Derrick Henry. With the NFL trade deadline set for Tuesday, it’s anyone’s best guess how management will fill the gigantic void. For now, Peterson will assume the role of power back. He’s been around since flip phones were fashionable forms of communication, but with ample motivation, whether statistically and/or financially, the venerable running back is blessed with an instant 12-14 carry per game opportunity, at a minimum. Remember, the Titans still feature a top-10 offensive line. In addition, Mike Vrabel said he doesn’t plan to remodel the offense. Jeremy McNichols will supplant Peterson on pass downs, but there’s oodles of value here for the artist formerly known as the Purple Jesus. (FAAB: $20 to $25)
Others to consider
Tyrod Taylor, Texans, QB (FAAB: $3 to $5)
Mike White, Jets, QB (FAAB: $3 to $5)
Boston Scott, Eagles, RB (FAAB: $13 to $16)
Jeremy McNichols, Ten, RB (FAAB: $5 to $8)
Jaret Patterson, Washington, RB (FAAB: $4 to $8)
Carlos Hyde, Jaguars, RB (FAAB: $5 to $8)
